RV Water Pump Keeps Cycling | How Do I Solve
If you’re an RV owner, you know that the water pump is an essential component of your plumbing system. It’s responsible for providing you with water from your freshwater tank to your faucets and shower. But what happens when your RV water pump keeps cycling?
There are a few reasons why your RV water pump might be cycling excessively. Among them, the most common reason is an issue with the pressure switch. The pressure switch is responsible for turning the water pump on and off. If the pressure switch is faulty, it may cause the pump to cycle too often.
In this article, I’ll explore the most common causes and provide solutions to help you get your water pump running smoothly again.
Is It Normal for RV Water Pump to Keep Cycling?
Well, it’s not normal for your RV water pump to keep cycling like an overenthusiastic squirrel on an exercise wheel. In an ideal scenario, once the water pump starts, it should maintain a consistent water pressure until you turn it off. Continuous cycling can be annoying, and it can also indicate underlying issues within your RV’s water system.
How to Prevent the RV Water Pump from Continuous Cycling?
It’s important to act on your water pump’s abnormal cycling to regain control over your water system. Here’s how to ensure that your RV water pump functions properly:
Check for Leaks
A water leak is the most common cause of a cycling RV water pump. When there is a leak, the water pump keeps running to try to maintain pressure in the system. Leaks can occur anywhere in the water system, including the water lines, connections, faucets, and showerheads.
To check for leaks, turn on the water pump and inspect all of the water lines and connections for any signs of moisture. Look for wet spots, puddles, or dripping water. If you find a leak, tighten the connection or replace the damaged part.
Water Pressure Adjustment
High water pressure can also cause the water pump to cycle excessively. This is because the pump has to work harder to maintain pressure in the system. The recommended water pressure for RV plumbing systems is typically between 40 and 60 psi.
To adjust the water pressure, you can use a water pressure regulator. A pressure regulator is a device that reduces the water pressure coming into your RV. To install a pressure regulator, simply connect it between your RV’s water hose and the city water supply.
Accumulator Tank Installation
An accumulator tank is a pressure tank that stores water under pressure. When you turn on a faucet, the water flows from the accumulator tank instead of from the water pump. This reduces the number of times the water pump needs to cycle.
Accumulator tanks are a relatively inexpensive and easy way to reduce the cycling of your RV water pump. To install an accumulator tank, simply connect it to the water pump and the water lines.
Check Your Faucets
Faulty faucets and showerheads can also cause the water pump to cycle excessively. This is because they may not shut off completely, which allows water to continue to flow even when the faucet or shower is turned off.
To check your faucets and showerheads, turn them on and off completely. If there is any water dripping or leaking, the faucet or showerhead is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Clean the Water Filter
A clogged water filter can also cause the water pump to cycle excessively. This is because the filter restricts the flow of water, which can cause the pressure to drop. To clean the water filter, simply remove it from the system and rinse it under running water. If the filter is very dirty, you may need to replace it.
Test the Pressure Switch
The pressure switch is responsible for turning the water pump on and off. If the pressure switch is faulty, it may cause the pump to cycle too often.
To test the pressure switch, connect a water pressure gauge to the water line. Turn on the water pump and let it run until the pressure reaches its cut-off point. The pressure switch should turn the pump off at this point. If the pump does not turn off, the pressure switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.
If the water level in your freshwater tank is low, the water pump may cycle more often as it tries to maintain pressure in the lines. To prevent this, keep your freshwater tank full.
Why RV Water Pump Keep Cycling?
Now that we’ve looked at how to prevent the never-ending pump cycle, let’s delve into why your RV water pump might be acting like it’s training for a marathon.
Leak
A leak in the water lines is one of the most common causes of a cycling water pump. This is because the pump has to work harder to maintain pressure in the system when there is a leak. Leaks can occur anywhere in the water system, including the water lines, connections, faucets, and showerheads.
Clogged filter
A clogged water filter can also cause the water pump to cycle excessively. This is because the filter restricts the flow of water, which can cause the pressure to drop. Water filters should be cleaned or replaced every 3-6 months, or more often if necessary.
Faulty pressure switch
The pressure switch is responsible for turning the water pump on and off. If the pressure switch is faulty, it may cause the pump to cycle too often. To test the pressure switch, connect a water pressure gauge to the water line.
Low water level
If the water level in your freshwater tank is low, the water pump may cycle more often as it tries to maintain pressure in the lines. To prevent this, keep your freshwater tank full.
Summing Up
It’s not normal for your RV water pump to keep cycling. It’s a sign that something in your water system isn’t working as it should. By following the troubleshooting tips and understanding the potential causes, you can regain control over your water pump, ensuring a smoother and more efficient water supply during your RV adventures.
